Whether you live in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, the Bronx or anywhere else in New York State, finding a topnotch workers’ compensation attorney may have previously been a challenge. In addition, claimants once had to travel long distances and endure long wait times to attend hearings that last mere minutes. This is especially painstaking for claimants who reside in rural parts of New York State.
Now, thanks to an emerging technological approach to NYS Workers’ Compensation Board hearings, claimants have more options available to them. Virtual hearings allow claimants, and other parties involved in a workers’ compensation case, to attend a hearing through a video conference. Moreover, hearings will no longer be transcribed, but rather have digital audio recordings that will be saved for future referencing.
How virtual hearings work
This method is being implemented statewide, with the exception of Newburgh, Allegany, and other districts with technical challenges. To know if you’re eligible for a virtual hearing in your district, you may check your hearing notice. On the lower left side of the page, it would read “Virtual Hearing Available” just above your hearing ID.
Not only does this save copious amounts of time and travel, this new method is now available in the palm of your hand. The Workers’ Compensation Board offers a free video hearing conference app which you can download to your cellphone. Attending a WCB hearing has never been more convenient. You may:
- Sign in electronically and have your information saved in the system for quick access
- Manage your hearing schedule and remove hearings that weren’t entered correctly
- Use other apps while awaiting your hearing
- Receive an alert when it’s time to attend your hearing
How to get started
- You may attend a virtual hearing simply following the instructions on the app or doing the following:
- Enter your hearing ID, first name, last name, and email address, then select continue
- Select your role in the hearing
- Wait until your hearing is called
To learn more about how virtual hearings work, you may find more information at the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board’s website.
You may download the virtual hearings app simply by:
- Opening the app store on your device
- Searching for “WCB VHC” with an icon that reads “Virtual Hearings”
- Download and install the app
The attorneys at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP Attorneys At Law know that this new development will benefit injured workers. Traditionally, we have represented injured workers throughout New York City and the Capital Region for more than 80 years. With the advent of virtual hearings, our attorneys can advocate for injured workers anywhere across New York State.
If you have been hurt on the job, going through the claims process can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. Let us do the work for you. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.